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Louisville City FC

Wynder Suffers Serious Injury, Will be Further Evaluated

January 25, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release


Louisville City FC midfielder Elijah Wynder suffered a serious leg injury over the weekend while representing the club in a youth academy showcase that will sideline him for the foreseeable future, it was announced Monday.

A 17-year-old from Oldham County, Wynder signed a professional contract in December and continued to train with LouCity's U19 academy group. A trip to Orlando for an Elite Clubs National League event presented opportunities for valuable game experience before the first team's preseason.

Following the injury, doctors cleared Wynder to travel home, which he did Sunday. Wynder will be evaluated by Baptist Health's medical experts in the coming days.

"We remain super excited about the bright future ahead of Elijah," said academy director Mario Sanchez. "This was an unfortunate accident, but he's going to receive the best care. We'll do everything we can to support Elijah step by step as he recovers."

Having emerged as a top talent from the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy-Kentucky club and Louisville Collegiate, Wynder made history in 2019 when signing LouCity's first academy contract, allowing him to train and play with the pros while preserving amateur status.

By the end of 2020, Wynder had already appeared in U.S. Open Cup and USL Championship games. As a result, he became LouCity's first academy player to earn a pro deal.

"We will support Elijah and his family in every way possible as he goes through the process of recovering from this unfortunate injury," said John Hackworth, LouCity's head coach and sporting director. "Elijah is strong, and this experience will only make him stronger."

Wynder was projected to take on an expanded role this season in LouCity's central midfield, which will also feature the addition of Tyler Gibson, another December signing via Indy Eleven where he was the rival club's minutes leader.

The boys in purple are in the process of reporting to Louisville for a Feb. 1 start to their preseason.

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